False Teachers Look Like Angels of Light - 2 Corinthians 11-13

2 Corinthians 11:12-15 (ESV)

And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

Paul is writing to the Corinthians for many reasons. One of them is because his apostleship is under attack by some in the church and some false teachers coming to the church.  These false teachers had a cottage industry making money off the church.  The church was so welcoming that if they came and said they were preaching the Gospel, the church would hear their words.   Some of them were boasting about their eloquence and ability and how Paul lacked these skills.   They also made themselves look like they preached the truth about Jesus, but did not.  

This is the context for the above passage.   Just as Satan can transform himself into an angel of light, so, too, can these false teachers.   In chapter 11 Paul is pointing out their failures and in chapter 12 his own authority.   False teachers will always come around and will look really real.   They can be shinny like an angel of light.  But don’t let their outside fool you.  On the outside they disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.  But their end will correspond with their deceptive deeds.